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Enugu State Governor Dr. Peter Mbah has officially launched the construction and dualization of the 43.7km Penoks-Abakpa Nike-Ugwogo-Nike-Opi Nsukka Road, which will feature streetlights and is set for completion within 18 months.
This initiative aligns with his administration’s vision to position Enugu as a prime destination for investment, business, tourism, and living.
At the flag-off ceremony held in Opi, attended by prominent political figures and Nsukka Zone leaders, Mbah emphasized that the project aims to reduce road accidents and criminal activities by straightening many bends along the route.
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“In my acceptance speech after the election, I pledged to dualize this road because we recognized that for our economy to thrive, every part of the state must be developed, especially an economic hub like Nsukka Zone. Today, we are connecting the dots,” he stated.
Mbah expressed concern that the journey from Enugu to Nsukka currently takes over an hour.
The new plan includes a 3.6km stretch from Penoks Junction to the T-Junction flyover, alongside the 41km Abakpa Nike-Opi Nsukka Road, aiming to reduce travel time to approximately 30 minutes and enhance the living and working conditions for residents.
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He further highlighted his administration’s grassroots development model, which places the Enugu North Zone at a strategic advantage.
“We are implementing projects based on electoral wards.
The Nsukka Zone stands to gain the most, with 102 electoral wards translating into 102 smart schools, 102 Type 2 Primary Healthcare Centres, and over 1,000km of roads, as we aim for at least 10km of roads per ward,” he noted.
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Igwe Samuel Asadu, the traditional ruler of Edem-Ani and Chairman of the Enugu State Traditional Rulers Council, expressed gratitude for the project, stating, “The people of Nsukka and Enugu North Senatorial District never imagined such a transformative project. You will not need to campaign for your second term here; we will ensure your success.”
Deputy Speaker of the Enugu State House of Assembly, Hon. Ezeani Ezenta, remarked on the governor’s achievements, stating, “You have silenced the critics. Your dedication has shown you to be more Nsukka than any other local figure.”
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Former Deputy Governor Chief Okechukwu Itanyi called the project “gigantic and incredible,” asserting it will open Nsukka Zone to the world and leave a lasting legacy.
Other speakers, including Hon. Jude Asogwa, Chairman of Nsukka LGA, and former Secretaries to the State Government, commended the initiative.
In a statement released Monday, Hon. Dennis Agbo, representing Igboeze North/Udenu Federal Constituency, referred to the road as “transformational,” noting its potential to boost commerce, improve transportation, and enhance agricultural produce evacuation, as well as combat crime.
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“The governor has demonstrated a remarkable ability to unlock the potential of our state. Enugu is becoming a reference point for transformational projects,” he added.
Hon. Nnoli Nnaji, representing Nkanu East/Nkanu West and Leader of the Enugu State Caucus in the National Assembly, expressed full support for the governor’s development agenda.
Meanwhile, Cosmas Agu, CEO of COMAG Construction Company, committed to delivering a high-quality project on time.